Not sure what to expect, but really, really looking forward to it!
Thankyou all for your help in getting us this far!
Kacy x
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
One if by plane, two if by sea.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Don't forget---the steering wheel is on the OTHER side of the car. Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
And the indicator/blinker sticks may also be on the other side of the steering wheel. Not that that's much of a problem since they're either (a) not used; (b) used to indicate a turn that may or may not be coming up in future, whether the next left/right, or in three or more block's time.
Or is that just southern California?
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
What Smitty means is that the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, not the wrong side. Also known as the left side. Everything clear now?
Posted by MDRR (Member # 2992) on :
And Geoff is certainly right about turn signals...drives me crazy!!
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Then there's the "farmer's turn," when someone turning right from the right lane drifts into the left lane during the turn.
Or the "a------ turn," when someone turning left from the left lane first moves into the right lane before starting the turn to the left.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
So far as "driving on the wrong side of the road", I have done so during this life in the UK (with my Sister as instructor), Jamaica, and USVI (in the Far East, only in 'Nam, and that is " correct" side). The only real scare I had was in Jamaica when a "close shave" situation developed, I had to override my "Yankee" instincts to safely react.
I cannot recall positively if Ms. Karen plans to rent an auto while over here, but I believe she said that she did not plan to. So I must wonder how this got so off-topic so fast.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Everything gets off-topic fast. That's just the way we are. We have ADHD of the forum.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Kacy -- have a GREAT trip!!!!!!!!!!! You will enjoy it, and I hope the kids also enjoy it. We are looking forward to a trip report when you get back home!!!
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
To balance my observation, one thing I have observed of British drivers and their indicators: Probably 95% of the time they will indicate to join traffic on a motorway (=freeway) when there is nothing else they can do anyway. But when it comes to switching lanes, maybe only 50% indicate - or start indicating when they're half way through the maneuver.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
We hope that you'll have time to keep us updated as your grand trip moves along!
Posted by Jerome Nicholson (Member # 3116) on :
And be sure to look LEFT FIRST when you cross the street!
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
^^^Very true! I never had a problem with right side driving (driver stays next to the center line), but remembering to look right when I stepped off the curb (or is that kerb?) was too much for my brain to remember.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Be careful not to tell any staff at a hotel to knock you up at 7 o'clock.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
OK, since now this discussion is moving towards hotels, it appears that the 7AM "knock" from Room Service is on its way to the nostalgia museum. I would think the only major traveling segment left to use it would be women traveling alone. For myself, likely half the hotels at which I stay are of the "full service" varietal; I've never used Room Service. That $40 Breakfast tab after all the taxes, fees, and a tip, are all thrown in (along with the likelihood it will be cold or a condiment you want is not there), is enough to have me walking down to the restaurant.
Finally, it should be noted that a later report in The Times states that for the very high end, i.e. Ritz, Four Seasons, Waldorf varietals, room service will continue.
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Of course, like most things in the hospitality industry, room service is not necessarily disappearing but morphing into a new form - a detail that unsurprisingly the NY Times omits to mention.
How many hotels have a Starbucks? Or some other chain coffee shop / restaurant? That's what serve as many hotels' room services these days.
Ordering some pub grub from one of the bars in the Mandalay Bay in Vegas? Observe the runner from the hotel kitchen half a mile away (my garlic fries were cold). Want something off the menu in restaurant #2 in Harrah's while sitting in restaurant #1? Not a problem sir, it's the same kitchen anyway.
Consolidation. It wouldn't surprise me if smaller, independent hotels grouped together on their kitchens if they're next door to each other. In fact, it already happens but I can't remember where I was.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Your point is noted, Mr. Mayo.
Likely what I note with this "regrading" of hotel Food & Beverage is that they are choosing to downgrade the product they offer. Indicative of this is my experience at a Marriott Courtyard in Nashville last April. At this property, along with any others at which I have stayed, a full service Breakfast Buffet had been offered. However as part of Marriott's effort to get the space used during both the Morning and Evening hours, they are initiating bars (some Courtyards have had such, some have not) as well as some kind of Dinner service. Be it assured it is not having a server coming to your table and taking your order, but rather it is you, the customer, going to a take out stand and placing your order - and paying for it on the spot as if you were at Mickey D's. Fortunately at the Nashville property (after I found myself "stood up" and for no reason beyond from a guy I only casually know, "Gee, I guess I messed up"), I simply went to a "good" Italian restaurant adjunct to the hotel. However, I did get to experience their "Mickey D breakfast service".
Hate to say it, but all of this is starting to question my loyalty to Marriott brands.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Geoff Mayo:
Want something off the menu in restaurant #2 in Harrah's while sitting in restaurant #1? Not a problem sir, it's the same kitchen anyway.
Speaking of Harrah's....I have to put a plug in for one of my all-time favorite restaurants. They are new to The Strip, and just moved into Harrah's: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Yummmmmm!!! The best steaks and food EVER. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it...
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Whoa, that's just too much.
Posted by KacyB (Member # 52680) on :
Brilliant advice guys! :-) thankyou!
So, you can all take a collective sigh of relief when I tell you I shall not be driving while in the USA. Here in the UK, I can quite easily deal with two small kids, hand out snacks and juice, retrieve toys, referee fights, all while driving.. but I cannot safely do that while trying to remember to drive on the wrong side of the road!!!
I will also remember about the 'knock up' - though given I will be travelling with 4 children, it's unlikely anyone would want to come near my room!! haha!
I'll read the other links now and I will definitely keep you informed of progress :-)
We've got all our tickets now and I've worked out (reasonably!) what we are doing each day so I think we are in good shape!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jerome Nicholson: And be sure to look LEFT FIRST when you cross the street!
I realize that curbs in London are all marked "Look Right" for the benefit of us Yanks "over there", but I cannot say "the Colonies" (and for that matter, my ancestors who made it X the Channel during 1066) return the favor.
Posted by Jerome Nicholson (Member # 3116) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman:
quote:Originally posted by Jerome Nicholson: And be sure to look LEFT FIRST when you cross the street!
I realize that curbs in London are all marked "Look Right" for the benefit of us Yanks "over there", but I cannot say "the Colonies" (and for that matter, my ancestors who made it X the Channel during 1066) return the favor.
So it was YOUR invasion that started the current monarchy! Posted by Jerome Nicholson (Member # 3116) on :
quote:Originally posted by KacyB: Brilliant advice guys! :-) thankyou!
So, you can all take a collective sigh of relief when I tell you I shall not be driving while in the USA. Here in the UK, I can quite easily deal with two small kids, hand out snacks and juice, retrieve toys, referee fights, all while driving.. but I cannot safely do that while trying to remember to drive on the wrong side of the road!!!
I will also remember about the 'knock up' - though given I will be travelling with 4 children, it's unlikely anyone would want to come near my room!! haha!
I'll read the other links now and I will definitely keep you informed of progress :-)
We've got all our tickets now and I've worked out (reasonably!) what we are doing each day so I think we are in good shape!
It's good you won't be driving. You won't need a car in any of the places you will visit. All the cities you outlined have very good transit systems and taxi service. And in Glenwood Springs the hotel should be able to arrange transport for you. And remember to do the Fahrenheit/Celsius conversion on temperature. I remember encountering a British woman in hot weather clothes at Disney World on a cold December day. I asked, "I see you're dressed for the weather. Don't tell me - you heard the temperature would be in the 30's and you thought they meant Celsius?" Posted by KacyB (Member # 52680) on :
[/QB][/QUOTE] And remember to do the Fahrenheit/Celsius conversion on temperature. I remember encountering a British woman in hot weather clothes at Disney World on a cold December day. I asked, "I see you're dressed for the weather. Don't tell me - you heard the temperature would be in the 30's and you thought they meant Celsius?" [/QB][/QUOTE]
Haha! I will! Thankyou!
I took the children to the top of the Shard in London today - They were totally unimpressed by it! So I think I'll give tall buildings a miss (apart from the CN tower in Toronto as it has a glass floor and I think that will be quite funny to see... Harry was very worried that the glass ont he shard would 'crack' today and, with the innocence of a child, he said 'and Mummy... it's quite a long way down and I don't want to bruise my knees' Posted by KacyB (Member # 52680) on :
OK, 48 hours now!! It's all seeming a little bit real!! Kids are BEYOND excited!!
The only thing I'm feeling a little bit unsure about is tipping.
Ted has given me loads of advice on tipping on trains, but what about in general? Do I just tip everyone? Whatabout taxis etc? Do they need to be tipped?
Any last minute advice much appreciated!!
Can't believe I'm actually going to do this!! Will certainly keep you all posted (or updated you afterwards if I can't get online but I think there will be plently of places with WIFI)
It's going to be an adventure, that's for sure!!
GBN - looking forward to meeting you in Chicago.
Kacy. x
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
I usually tip about 15% for a simple taxi ride. With luggage and kids I might add a little more, but if you get lousy service (smelly cab, roundabout routing, no help with luggage) feel free to tip less.
Restaurants are usually 15-20% for table service, counter service restaurants might have a tip jar on the counter--maybe drop a buck or two for better service.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
If you receive decent service at a restaurant---any restaurant (except places like McDonald's of course)----always tip at least 15%. They work hard and rely on tips for their income.
One thing I never see anyone mention is tipping the housekeeping staff in hotels. I always put a note on the bed that says, "Thank you" and a $10 bill for each day I'm there. More if I'm in a freebie suite in Vegas.
When you get to a hotel and the hotel staff opens the taxi door for you and then gets all of your bags out of the trunk, you are expected to tip that person a few dollars (2 or 3 bucks).
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
July 8 - today's the day -
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
The British have arrived!!!
Train Status reports 29(13) Capitol Limited arrived CUS 852A, or 7ML.
Posted by KacyB (Member # 52680) on :
Hi guys! Sorry, don't have too much time to log on here in the USA! But husband and elder kids have gone out for the night so it's just me and the little ones in tonight, so I've splashed out on wifi!
We are having a great time - we are now in San Francisco, have had a couple of delays, but nothing major and I have to say we've all been totally impressed by Amtrak.
I'll work out how to provide feedback, but Byron at Amtrak, glenwood springs earns special mention for being the most helpful and generally happy person we've encountered!
So, I can now say we've crossed America by rain, and we've had a fab time doing so.
We're off at the end of the end of this week - headed up to Vancouver and then back over the Rockies.
Oh, and if you haven't heard, we have a new royal baby boy :-)
Posted by cubzo (Member # 4700) on :
Glad to hear that you're enjoying your trip.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Glad your trip is going well. If you are currently in SF, you're about 30 minutes away from me right now. Welcome to my world! Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Ms. Karen--
Oh well, just one more late arrival. Weren't we to have raised our Pinot Grigios to Prince George of Cambridge making the scene while we were at the Doubletree bar July 14?
Incidentially, TV (whoops; Telly) news reported the Chicago Brit expat community celebrated the event at another hotel not all that far away from Doubletree.
Regarding your delays, many could have been attributed to heat related speed restrictions. Passenger trains normally operating at 79mph are held to about 50 while such are in effect.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Glad to hear that your trip is going well. There is a certain satisfaction which comes from executing a meticulously planned itinerary in spite of unexpected delays, changes in travel party, etc.
Was Glenwood Springs your only Colorado stopover? Seems like you had some plans for Denver as well if I recall.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Ohhhh - and a tip -
If you need baggage assistance in Seattle, I hope that LaToya will be on duty for you when you arrive. I encountered her on a family trip July 1 and she was fabulous as well. One of the best baggage handlers I've encountered anywhere.
Posted by Jerome Nicholson (Member # 3116) on :
I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying your trip! I was worried about not hearing from you. Please stay in touch - it's what we live for!
Posted by KacyB (Member # 52680) on :
Hi, just another update from us... We are now in Portland now. Going to check out OMSI today - kids want to check out the submarine!
We were lucky enough to be able to say HI to Ted and Sylvia Blishak while passing thru Klathman Falls. I don't remember who initially gave me their details, but it was someone on this site, and they have been instrumental at making sure our trip has been flawless so it was great to be able to spend just a few minutes saying hi, and introducing the children.
If anyone knows the Portland area, can you please suggest somewhere I can take the kids tomorrow? It is Imogen's 4th birthday so would like to do something special.
GBN - I think a lot of the delays are due to the heat... Though after the coolness of SF, it was nice to feel the sun when we arrived in Portland!
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
There's always the Portland Zoo.
If you are in downtown Portland, I thought Pionner Square was kind of interesting. If I remember correctly, they have some sort of science store with scientific gadgets and toys, which might be of interest. If memory serves, it was on a side street kitty-cornered from Startbucks, in a building with a glass roof.
Richard
Posted by DonNadeau (Member # 61606) on :
In addition to the zoo at Washington Park, which is reachable by light rail, your children may enjoy a nature hike in nearby and very beautiful Forrest Park. A nice contrast to sitting on trains so long.
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
If it's a rainy day, they might enjoy Powells Books-Children. This is probably the best bookstore in the country and a top destination in Portland.
Posted by KacyB (Member # 52680) on :
Well, we made it! We had a great time in. Vancouver, The trainrideacrosscanada was simply awesome and Niagara Falls has been the best :-)
Leaving for NYC tomorrow, which is the end of our trip... A few daysthereandthen home.
Via rail was brilliant and quite honestly, right now, I could stay here! This whole trip has been such acomplete adventure!
Thank you all for the help, advice and tips along the way, it's much appreciated
kacy x
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Would love to hear your impression and observations on the differences between Amtrak and Via when you get a chance.
Posted by cubzo (Member # 4700) on :
Congrats on your successful adventure.
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
Is it too early to start planning your next trip?
Posted by Jerome Nicholson (Member # 3116) on :
When you're back in New York, what do you plan to do? Catch a show at Radio City Music hHall or a Broadway play? Walk the High Line to /from Chelsea or TriBeCa or the Meatpacking district? Pay respects at Ground Zero? Take in the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal? So much to do, so little time.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Ms. Karen, it was indeed an honor to have met you and the kids (even if electronic playthings were their first priority) at Doubletree last month.
I am indeed pleased to learn that the trip has been enjoyable for all, for I had my concerns that such could be otherwise. My longest trip this year has been four nights away (six during both '11 and '12); can't think of when it has been more than ten in, say, the past thirty years.
Oh and finally to all; would you believe it that, for a four day trip to Greenwich (CT not UK) last weekend, I actually enabled TEXTING on my phone. After all, it was the only way I can communicate with my Sister's kids - and I was meeting my Niece for a Mostly Mozart at Lincoln Center.
But I shut off texting when I returned on Tuesday.
Posted by KacyB (Member # 52680) on :
Thank you all. GBN - it was great to meet up with you too, and I apologise again for our plans going awry.
This time in NYC, we went to the Bronx zoo, which was fab and took a boat cruise. Today (our final day - we leave for the airport this afternoon), but this morning we are off to the high line. Rather fitting that we finish up with something train related (our dinner last night was taken at grand central station which also seemed fitting)
Regarding our next adventure, who knows! Right now, I'm just enjoying this one. We have made new friends and also spent time with some very old and dear friends along the way. We have seen and done so much along the way - think it will take me a week just to download all the photos!
Amtrak certainly did us proud and The Canadian was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Thank you to all of you who have offered advice and suggestions, not only about the trains but also our layovers along the way. All so very much appreciated
kacy x
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Ms. Karen--
Oyster Bar, Michael Jordan's, or other?
Who knows, maybe I'll apply for a passport (haven't had one in twenty years; but my Niece is 'threatening' to emigrate to Australia - and I kept a valid one for emergencies all during the time my Sister resided overseas - in Barnes as I showed you on that AtoZ I brought - 70-89). Honestly, I'm not sure if I could survive the flight; maybe Business Class, but back of the bus? well maybe if someone had a .45 pointed at me. How a Flight Attendant neighbor and wonderful friend (I think I showed you a photo of her amongst the many), is able to fly overseas every week simply escapes me. My circadian cycle is so sensitive that I even notice a one hour time change going out to New York as I did two weekends ago.
If so, I'll certainly make it my business to contact you so we and your family, can have another meet up - and hopefully not with me camped out in a hotel lobby awaiting a room.
Again, so pleased to learn it has been a great trip, as I honestly had my doubts if such would be the case.
Posted by KacyB (Member # 52680) on :
GBN - Michael Jordan's place, at Grand Central Station. I took the elder girls there on our first day in NYC, and it was lovely so took my sister there on the last day before we returned.
We loved the HighLine - such a great perspective on the city. Very nicely done and the children loved being able to look out over the roads (without me constantly demanding we all hold hands!)
Smitty - Obviously, this is only my perception from one train crossing in each country... but my feeling is that The Canadian is more suited / more geared towards 'train tourists and / or children'. my main reasons for saying that are: 1. Restaurant cars have non-fixed chairs, which is very helpful for smaller children. The menu was more flexible and the attendants took care of filling the forms out (which we were left to do ourselves on Amtrak and, of course, messed up the first time!) 2. There are a range of carriages / sight seeing lounges / club lounges which were never full on The Canadian (whereas we often struggled to find seats on Amtrak - not that it really mattered...) 3. The attendants on The Canadian could not have been more helpful. They provided advice on where to go on the little stops we had (even if it was just walking to the front of the train... we had the VERY last sleeper on the Canadian train)... they made sure that we made the most of each and every stop. 4. The train (and staff) seemed more geared to children.... Films and activities were provided, mostly train related, but they also watched a newly released DVD, so the train was obviously up to date with newly released DVDs.
This is in no way a mark down for Amtrak, which we enjoyed immensely... but I am glad that our layovers were on the American side rather than the Canadian. The children (and I) rather 'bonded' with our sleeping compartment and the engines pulling us along in a way we didn't so much on Amtrak.
Amtrak was functional. It got us from A to B and it did what it said on the tin.... But The Canadian was a proper coast to coast adventure. All of the staff were lovely, but special thanks must go to Hadyn, who rescued a little lost T-Rex of Harry's... there was no need for him to go to such effort, but he did and it made the trip even more enjoyable... I think half of the train were hoping the T-Rex would be found!!!
(and - GBN - do look us up if / when you come to the UK... I know our address wasn't on the A-Z you had, but we honestly aren't that far out of London... Only 30 miles or so!)
Kacy x
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Gil, I forget if you like Tchaikovsky or not, but I know you like classical concerts. Here's a little something to whet your appetite for a trip across the pond to see the LSO (and Kacy):
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